An independent study confirmed that the height of 65 metres for the Delimara power station extension chimneys was enough to meet air quality standards, Enemalta said yesterday.

The public energy company said an air dispersal study commissioned by the planning authority found that no additional benefits were obtained by increasing the chimney height.

“The study confirms that an increase in the height may result in an increased negative impact by displacing emissions,” Enemalta said.

The corporation was commenting on the findings of the study that was concluded earlier this month and published by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority last week.

The study forms part of the documentation published by Mepa as part of the public consultation process underway that will lead up to the final stages of the permitting process.

The power station extension still has to obtain the environmental permit that regulates its operation and the height of the chimneys is one of the issues that have still to be decided.

Enemalta said the study assumed a worst case scenario in which bag filters were not operational. The report concluded that given the abatement measures that would be in place once the power station extension was fully operational, “the already compliant situation can only be improved upon”.

The study was necessary to analyse the dispersion of noxious gases and heavier particles that had not been catered for in the initial study presented by Enemalta with the full development permit application.

Enemalta said the new study confirmed that the extension would actually be less polluting than other sites on the island.

“The report reaffirms the fact that the worst pollutant remains the Marsa power station and that with its reduction in output and eventual closure following the commissioning of the new plant, the levels of pollution in the area will decrease,” Enemalta said.